> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.nocnoc/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Sending packages

> Learn how nocnoc's two-tier package model works and how to register shipments.

nocnoc manages shipments using two types of packages: **Son** and **Father**.

* A **Son package** represents a single order ready to ship.
* A **Father package** consolidates multiple Son packages into one bulk first-mile shipment.

## Individual shipment

When you have a single order to ship, create one Son package for it.

<img src="https://files.readme.io/b8984e8-Individual_1.jpg" alt="Individual shipment" />

## Consolidated shipment

When you have multiple orders ready to ship together, create a Son package per order and then group them into a single Father package.

<img src="https://files.readme.io/27df66d-Multiple_1.jpg" alt="Consolidated shipment" />

## How it works

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create a Son package per order">
    For each order you're ready to ship, call [Create Son package](/api/api-reference/packages/create-son-package) with the order reference ID, labels, and items.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create a Father package (consolidated only)">
    If you're shipping multiple orders together, call [Create Father package](/api/api-reference/packages/create-father-package) with the Son package IDs. Skip this step for individual shipments.
  </Step>
</Steps>